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This is a Java applet designed to give users a simulated look at the function of a pinhole camera device. Students can change the size and orientation of the pinhole and view the path of light rays from five points on a source. Though simple, this resource clearly demonstrates why an image through a pinhole will be inverted at the screen or focal plane. Users who register on this web site may also download additional resource files and tips for using this simulation in the classroom.

This item is part of a much larger collection of physics simulations by the same author.

Units (3)

A very simple yet enlightening simulation for exploring the function of a pinhole camera. The applet draws lines from five points on a source through the pinhole. Students can see the path of each ray of light and the resulting inverted image. We suggest letting students play with this applet AFTER they have completed one of the labs above on pinhole cameras.

A very simple yet enlightening simulation for exploring the function of a pinhole camera. The applet draws lines from five points on a source through the pinhole. Students can see the path of each ray of light and the resulting inverted image. We suggest letting students play with this applet AFTER they have completed one of the labs above on pinhole cameras.

Java Simulation Grades 6-12A very simple yet enlightening simulation for exploring the function of a pinhole camera. Appropriate for middle school, the applet draws lines from five points on a source through the pinhole. Students can see the path of each ray of light to help them understand why the image will be inverted at the back of the camera box. We suggest letting students play with this applet AFTER they have completed one of the labs above on pinhole cameras.

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